Bed size
Depth units
Waste
Default 1.4 tons per cubic yard is typical loose gravel. Crushed stone and compacted base often run 1.2–1.7. Labeled as an estimate — not a weigh-ticket.
Order
- Cubic yards
- —
- Tons est.
- —
Enter length, width, and depth.
This is an estimate, not structural engineering, not a compaction spec, and not a price quote. It does not choose depth, base, drainage, or load rating. Density (default 1.4 tons/yd³) is a typical loose-gravel figure, labeled as an estimate. Confirm volume with your landscape yard and tons with the quarry’s scale.
How the volume is counted
Bed volume is length × width × depth. Depth in inches is divided by 12 to get feet, then divided by 27 to get cubic yards. Waste is extra material — 10% is a common pad for spillage, irregular edges, and compaction.
Tons = cubic yards × density. The default density is 1.4 tons per cubic yard for typical loose gravel. Change it if your quarry quotes a different number. Short tons (2,000 lb), not metric tonnes.
bed_cu_ft = length_ft × width_ft × (depth_in / 12) with_waste = bed_cu_ft × (1 + waste%) cubic_yards = with_waste / 27 tons = cubic_yards × density (default 1.4 tons/yd³)
Example: 10 ft × 10 ft × 4 in with 10% waste is 1.36 yd³ — about 1.90 tons at 1.4 tons/yd³. A 20 ft × 10 ft driveway at the same depth is 2.72 yd³ / 3.80 tons.
FAQ
How much gravel do I need?
Length × width × depth, add waste, convert to yards, then tons. Enter the bed above.
How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 tons for typical loose gravel, which is the default here. Wet or compacted stone can be heavier. The quarry’s scale is the last word.
How much gravel for a 10×10 patio?
At 4 inches thick with 10% waste: 1.36 cubic yards, about 1.90 tons at 1.4 tons/yd³. Depth is your input. This tool does not tell you how thick a patio should be.
Is this engineering?
No. Quantity only. Not a spec, not drainage, not load-bearing advice. Confirm with a builder and the quarry.